In 2015, consumers will inevitably begin to integrate wearable connective technology more into their daily lives. For example, Luxottica Group S.pA. is launching a multiyear R&D collaboration with Intel Corp. to create eyewear infused with smart technology. The ultimate goal is to deliver smart, fashion-forward products that are meaningful and desirable to consumers.

Intel Corp. has made a $24.8 million investment into Vuzix Corp., a provider of wearable display technology video eyewear and smart glasses products in the consumer, commercial and entertainment markets.

While the “Internet of Things” (IoT) ecosystem is still in its infancy, the capability has become a reality for the commercial HVAC industry with the integration of Daikin Applied’s rooftop systems with Intel’s intelligent gateway solutions.

Casual dining chain Applebee’s is looking to redefine and enhance its guest experience by placing tablets tableside. The company plans to deploy 100,000 devices — E la Carte Presto tablets, powered by Intel — chainwide by the end of 2014. It is installing the tablets on every table and in multiple bar positions at its more than 1,8000 U.S. restaurants.

Canadian Tire has opened a digital development lab in Communitech, a start-up incubator that is home to some 100 startups and small businesses along with such “strategics” partner companies as Google Inc. and Intel Corp.

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In this report, you'll discover the benefits of such an approach, including optimizing the architecture to make full use of modern network capabilities and using commercial applications to support non-differentiating operational processes wherever possible.